Partition structure



June 4, 1940. e. M; MlLLS PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed Jan. 11, 1957 4SheetsShee't l llllllllllllllL I I l l I I 7 :1

iNVENTOR 3 @wye 1 2. MZE BY ATTORNEY June 4, 1940. G. M. MILLS PARTITIONSTRUCTURE Filed Jan. 11, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q R N $5 Nu flww U? 9 am:Q mm NW w I, A A E 5 N m A (2 g Q NM Q? a 5 a 8 Q a m INVENTOR fieqrge/lMills BY M 3 Q j ATTORNEY June 4, 1940. a; M. MILLS PARTITION STRUCTURE'4 Sheqts-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 11, 1937 INVENTOR w e 1/. Mills BY fieNQMLA ATTORNEY Illlli June 4, 1940.

3% v RRN Patented June 4, 1940 UNITED STATES PARTITION STRUCTURE GeorgeM. Mills, Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to The Mills Company, Cleveland,Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application January 11, 1937, Serial No.119,899

18 Claims.

This invention relates to partition structures and more particularly toa partition of the type built up from preformed, readily removable andinterchangeable sections.

In a partition of the type to which the present invention relates, it isdesirable that the several sections orpanel-units be formed so that theycan be quickly and easily removed and replaced, but at the same time,are rigidly and securely held in position when erected and preventedfrom displacement or rattling. The partition should be'formed from arelatively small number of separate parts in order that it may bereadily erected in the field. It is desirable that the partition beconstructed so as to be substantially as soundproof as a partition ofthe permanent lath and plaster type. The partition should also beconstructed to permit the quick and easy introduction of service linessuch'as water and gas pipes, electric light and power conduits,telephone, buzzer signal wires and the like, and also permit readyaccess to such lines.

According to the present invention, a partition structure is providedwhich is built up from a plurality of preformed metallic panel unitswhich may be interchangeably connected. The panel units are constructedof spaced metal sheets supported by structural frame members. The panelunits, and particularly the end edges thereof, are

iii

formed in a complementary manner so that the units are rigidly held inposition when assembled in erected condition, but are capable of beingremoved by a simple manipulation thereof.

Certain of the panel sheets and structural members may be insulated fromeach other by interposed insulation so that there is no completemetallic contact from one face of the partition to the other. Thus thepresent construction pre vents rattling and greatly reduces orsubstantially prevents the transmission of sound and heat through thepanel unit. Base covers or mop boards extend along the lower edges ofthe panel units and span the space between the panel units and thefloor.

The lower portion of the partition is so formed that a suitable andaccessible conduit race is provided adjacent the base of the partitionfor the reception of service lines. The edges of the panel units arerecessed to provide a space for vertically extending service lines whenthe units are in partition-forming position. A decorative cornice mayextend along and cover the upper edges of the panel units and space maybe provided within the cornice for additional service lines. The severalspaces for service lines may be made to communicate with one another,thus permitting the lines to be run continuously throughout thepartition.

An object of the invention'is the provision of a preformed partitionstructure constructed of 5 relatively simple and easily formedinterchangeable units which are adapted to be assembled quickly andeasily to form a sturdy attractive partition capable of being easilyreadjusted, modified or replaced without damage to the partition or thebuilding in which it is installed.

Another object of the inventionis' the provision of a partition formedfrom a plurality of interchangeable panel units which are rigidly andfirmly held in position and which can be quickly and easily removed.individually from the erected partition.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a substantiallysoundproof metallic partition structure.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a partition of thetype described having convenient accommodation for service lines in oneor more readily accessible portions of the partition.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a partitionstructureformed from prefabricated panel units Which are securely and evenlymaintained in wall-forming position when the partition is erected andwhich units can quickly and easily be removed for repair or replacementwlthout disassembling the entire partitionp Another object of theinvention is the provision of a partition structure which is admirablyadapted for the reception of air conditioning conduits and apparatus.

Various other features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following particular description andfrom an inspection of theaccompanying drawings.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthis invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appendedhereto, the invention itsclf, as to its ob- 45 jects and advhntages, andthe manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood byreferring to the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of one form of partition constructed inaccordance with the invention', certain portions of the structure beingbroken away to expose the interior details;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional View showing theinterior construction of the partition, this view being taken along line2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the structure shown inFig. 1, certain portions of the structure being broken away to exposecertain interior details;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the partitiontaken along line 4-4 of Fig.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of thestructure shown in Fig. 1 and illustrating particularly the constructionat a joint between two adjacent panel units;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the partitionshowing the internal structure of a panel unit intermediate the uprightedges, together with the corresponding portions of the cornice, thisview being taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical crosssectional view of thepartition showing the internal structure of a panel unit intermediatethe upright edges, together with the corresponding portions of the base,this view being taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the clips for holding togethertwo panel units at a corner or angle condition;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a partition of somewhatmodified form, this form of partition being generally similar to theform shown in Figs. 1 to 6, except as to the interior Construction,particularly the structural members; and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view takentransversely through the door frame unit of the modified partition, thisview being taken along a line on the modified partition corresponding tothe line Ill-l0 indicated on Fig. 1.

In the following description and in the claims, various details will beidentified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended tobe as generic in their application as the art will permit. Likereference characters denote like parts in the several figures of thedrawings.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification,certain specific disclosure of the invention is made for purposes ofexplanation, but it will be understood that the details may be modifiedin various respects without departure from the broad aspect of theinvention.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, my partition structure maycomprise a plurality of preformed interchangeable panel units la, lb,lc, Id and, if desired, a door frame unit 2. The several panel units maybe suitably supported on the floor of a building and connected togetherin alignment, in a manner which will be pointed out more fullyhereinafter, to form a substantially continuous, erect partition orwall. A base cover 3 and a cornice 4 may extend continuously along thebottom and top respectively of a plurality of panel units. The spacebetween the cornice and ceiling may be filled by a ceiling filler 5 andthe space between the endmost panel and the building wall may be filledby a wall filler 6. The door unit 2 includes a door frame "l and a door8 of suitable construction is mounted therein.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2, 5, 6 and '7, each panel unit maybe constituted by a pair of spaced parallel panel sheets in preferablyformed from sheet or plate metal which are faced interiorly thereof withinsulating board H. The panel sheets Hi may be secured together byhorizontal struts l 2, vertical end members or uprights l3 and a topstrut l4.

Each horizontal strut I2 (as shown in Fig. 6) preferably takes the formof a channel having flanges l 5 adapted to abut sound and heatinsulating sheets II. The flanges l5 may be provided with a plurality ofprongs 16 inserted in the sheets if and secured thereto by bending orupsetting the ends of the prongs. The struts i2 are provided withflanges H at their ends which are secured to the adjacent end members13, by bolts [8 or other suitable securing means.

Each end member or upright [3 (Fig. 2) ineludes a pair of spaced uprightangle shaped metal members 20 and 23 comprising a face portion 2!, andinturned flange portion 24. The

member 29 is provided with a short inturned flange 22 and member 23 isprovided with a short inturned flange 25. The end edge of the flange 22is formed as an extension 26 bent into parallelism with the face portion2| of the memtion 2i of the members 20 and 23 and against 2 the internalfaces of the flanges 24 thereof. The insulating strips 2'! and 28 aresecured together and to the angle members 20 and 23 by one or more bolts29 or other suitable fastening means.

Thus, it will be seen that, each end member I3 is in effect achannel-like member which is split and has insulation interposed betweenits two halves. In this construction there is no metal to metal contactbetween the angle-shaped uprights 20 and 23 or between the metal panelsheets In.

Each panel sheet ID has its upright edges turned in to form flanges 32.The flanges 32 at one side of each panel unit If] he against the flanges22 of the members 20 and the flanges 32 at the other side of the panelunit lie against the flanges of the members 23. For purposes which willappear hereinafter, the members 20 at each end of a panel unit are bothadjacent one face of the unit and the members 23 are both adjacent theother face. When the panel units are assembled, the members 20 and 23engage the members 23 and 20 respectively of the adjacent panel units.

The top horizontal struts M (Fig. 6) are of metal and interposedinsulation form broadly analogous to the members 13. Each strut Mincludes a pair of separate angle shaped metal bars 40, each having aninturned flange 4|, a horizontal shoulder portion 42 and an upwardlyextending flange 43. The bars are spaced apart and are connected bybolts 45 or other suitable fastening means to a strip of insulation 44so that there is no metal to metal contact between the bars 49. Theupper portion of each panel sheet l0 may extend above the top edge ofthe insulating sheet if and may seat against the flange 43 of thecorresponding bar 40 to which it is secured as by welding. Theinsulating sheet if is seated in the recess adjacent the shoulderportion 42 and may be secured to the panel sheet I0 either at certainpoints or continuously by a suitable adhesive.

Referring to Fig. 5, each panel unit is sup ported by a foot 46 securedto each end. member 15 eii) as by a bolt 47 passing through the foot andthe end member. The feet 46 of adjacent panel units Ia, lb are suitablysupported and secured in predetermined position by a suitable deviceconnected to a floor channel 50, which preferably is immovably securedto the floor of the building. The floor channel 50 has upstanding sideflanges SI and receives a shoe 52 having depending flanges 53. A floorbolt or screw 54 secures the shoe 52 immovably to the floor. Studs 55are secured to and extend upwardly from the shoe 52 through slots 48formed in horizontal flanges 49 of the feet 46. A leveling wheel 50 isthreaded on to the stud 55 and supports the foot 46 in predeterminedposition. A look nut 51. may be provided for maintaining the foot 49tightly against the leveling wheel 56, preventing loosening of thelatter.

A plurality of base clips (Figs. 4, and 7) are associated with the panelunits. Each clip is formed with a punched out finger 62 adapted toengage over the flange 5| of the base channel 50. The clip 60 has avertical portion adapted to extend along the flange'SI, an upwardlyinclined portion 03 and a second vertical portion 64. A slot 05 isprovided in the portion 64 for cooperation-with clip fingers 66hereinafter more fully described. The slot has a widened portion 01 forpermitting insertion of the fingers 06 through the clip 60. The clip 60is formed with a lower seat '08 and an upper seat 69 for cooperationwith a base cover 10. The base cover I0 has a flange II adapted toengage in the seat 00, and a flange I5 adapted to engage in the seat 19.The flanges "II and I5 may be connected to the body of the base I0 byspacer portions I2 and I4 respectively, of suitable length to hold thecover substantially vertical.

The base cover I0 may be formed to extend along the bottom portion ofone or more panel units toprovidea closure for the space between thepanel units and the floor and to enhance the appearance of thepartition. Preferably, the base cover extends continuously along theentire partition without interruption, except at door frames or. otheropenings in the partition.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 7, panel sheets I0 may carry a pair of troughsor receptacles 83 each adapted to receive service lines, as hereinafterdescribed. Each trough 83 has a lateral flange forming a floor portion84, an upstanding side wall. portion 80 and a top wall portion 86 formedwith a step 81 and a depending side wall 80. The depending side wall89may carry the clips 66 which engage the base clip 60. Disposed betweenthe troughs 03' is a slab 82 of insulating material which may beinsertedat its lower edge in the jaws SI of one or more clips 00-. The clip 80is secured, as by welding, to the base channel 50. troughs 03 aresecured to opposite faces of the insulating slab 82 by a suitable numberof bolts 9I or other fastening means.

The troughs 03 are supported in position to receive in their recessedshoulder portions the lower edges of the insulating sheets II. The loweredges 33 of the panel sheets IIl extend along the side wall portions 89respectively and are welded theretoto assist in maintaining the relativepositions of the several parts of the partition.

A- cornice frame (Figs. 4 and 6) is formed by two metal channels I00extending along the top olthe partition and arranged in back to backrelation. A strip I0l of insulation is interposed between the webs ofthe channels I00 and the latter are secured together andthe insulationWI,

by bolts I02 or other suitable fastening means. Each channel I00 has alower flange I03 adapted to rest on the top edge of the adjacent panelunit and a flange extension having a rolled edge I05 depends from theflange I03. The channel 00 has an upper flange I06 formed with a step101, a horizontal extension I08 and a turned over edge I09.

A cornice cover I I0, which may be attractively formed to improve theappearance of the partition, is adapted to be snapped on the channel600. The cover I00 has a spacer portion III and an upstanding flange IIZadapted to engage the edge I05. The cover IIO has a spacer portion M0on. its top edge and a depending flange II4 adapted to fit against thestep I06.

Adjacent panel units may be secured together at their top ends by a boltII5 (Figs. 4 and 5) or other fastening member extending through theadjacent end members I3 of the abutting panel units. The bolt I I5 mayalso serve as an anchor for connecting the cornice to the panel unit. Abook H0 has a hooked end II'I engaging the bolt H5, and a second hookedend II9 extending through an opening H8 in the lower flange I03 of thecornice channel I00. The end H9 may be secured by a tapered split wedgeI driven in the hook H0 and bearing against the surface of the flangeI03. The wedge I20 preferably is formed with arms I2I and I22 which maybe separated after insertion in the hook H0, to lock the wedge I20 inposition.

A suitable ceiling filler 5 may extend from the top flanges l 06 of thecornice channels I00 to the ceiling (not shown). This may be of anydesired construction as for example plasterboard or metal, and mayinclude a horizontal beam I24, wallmembers I24 and fastening members I25extending through the horizontal beam I23 and the cornice channels I00.

Where the partition extends from a building wall, as is usually thecase, a wall filler 6 is provided for bridging the gap between theupright edge of the adjacent panel unit Ia and the wall X. The sidefiller (Fig. 2) includes a pair of spaced parallel sheets I disposed inalignment with thepanel sheets I0 of the panel units and suitablysecured in position. An upright channel Ii'lI, suitably secured to thewallX as by one or more screws I32, is formed with side flanges I33 eachhaving a grooved seat I34. The other uprightedge of each sheet I30 isformed with an inturned flange I36 and a reversely turned flange A hookI09, formed with a flange I40, is secured to the adjacent end member bythe bolts 29. The hook I30 is formed with a lug or nose I38 adapted toengage the edge of the flange I37 and retain the sheet 130. A similarhook I39 is provided for similar engagement with the second sheet E30.The books I39 are formed with upstanding flanges I4I which are securedtogether by bolts I42, an insulating member 243 being interposed betweenthe flanges Ml. Further insulation of the side filler may be provided bydisposing an upright strip I between the flanges I35 and by securing aninsulating strip I44 to the sheets Where a door is to be installed, adoor frame I may be provided. The frame 7 (Fig. 2) may include a channelI54 having a web I formed with a step I52 providing a door buck, andside flanges I53 forming wall surfaces of the frame. The free ends ofthe flanges I53 are formed with inturned edges I54 adapted to fitagainst the flanges I56, I51 of a member I58 formed similarly to the endmember I3. A door 8 of any suitable construction may be supported on ahinge I59 on one of the channels I50 in the usual manner.

Where a corner or angular condition is to be met, suitable means areprovided for interconnecting the angularly meeting panel units. It willbe noted that the floor channel and associated structure may be formedwith a suitable bend (not shown) in order to provide for the angulararrangement of adjacent panel units.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the adjacent panel units Ic, id at thecorner are secured together by a pair of tension members or hooks I 70and a spacer Ill which latter also serves to maintain the desiredangular relation of the tension hooks Ill]. The hooks I10 and spacerI'II are shown more in detail in Fig. 8. The hook I10 is formed with alug or ear I72 adapted to engage the flange 22 of the adjacent endmember I3. Substantially opposite the ear I72 is an ear I13 adapted toengage the flange 25 of the end member I3. The hook I I'll is formedwith a notch I'M adapted to receive the flange 26 of the end member I3,and an ear I75 is provided for a purpose which will hereinafter appear.

The second hook I15 is formed similarly and is maintained in angularrelation with the first hook I16. The spacer III is formed withdepending lugs I83 adapted to extend through correspondingly shapedslots I 84 in the hooks I ID to prevent relative angular motion of thehooks H0. The hooks I'IIJ and spacer III are disposed in a compact stackand may be secured together by a bolt I85 01' other suitable fasteningmeans. If desired, the hooks Ill) may be formed with inclined edges I16adapted to lie substantially in alignment with the edge I'II of thespacer l'li, when the several members are in normal operative position.

The spacer I'II is formed with a head I85 having inclined edges IS! onopposite sides thereof and a second pair of edges l82 inclined away fromthe edges IllI whereby to form a pair of pointed ears adapted to engagethe end members I3 of the adjacent panel units lc, Id. The edges I8I areadapted to bear against the inturned flanges 3I and 32 of the adjacentpanel units Ic and Id and one of the edges I82 is adapted to bearagainst the flange 26 of the end member I3. The spacer I'II maintainsthe end members E3 in spaced relation and thus assists in providing arigid structure at the corner of the partition.

An outer corner cover I may be provided for covering the space betweenthe outer faces of the adjacent panel units I0, Id at the corner and isformed with inturned flanges IBI having reversely turned edge portionsI92. The ear I75 is formed with a notch I93 adapted to receive thereversely turned edge I92, whereby the cover I90 can be sprung over theears H5 into position wherein it is held firmly and securely. An innercover I94 may be provided and have spring flanges I95 adapted to springin between and engage over the inner corner edges of the panel units loand Id.

The partition thus far described may be assembled as follows:

Each panel unit I is formed by constructing a frame from one or morehorizontal struts IE. a plurality of insulating sheets II and a pair ofend members I3. The insulating sheets II are secured as by adhesive tothe panel sheets and the panel sheet flanges 3|, 32 are engaged over thecorresponding flanges 22, 25 of the end members I3. The panel sheets I0may be secured to the frame by welding the flanges 3I and 32 to the endmembers. The feet 46 are secured to their respective end members asshown in Fig. 5, thus forming a completely assembled panel unit whichmay be of any desired length or width. The desired number of panel unitsare provided to form a partition.

The base channel 50 and shoes 52 are secured to the floor of thebuilding. The lugs 46 of the first panel unit Ia are engaged with thecorresponding leveling studs 55 and the panel unit la is brought toapproximate position by actuation of the leveling wheels55. The nextpanel unit Ib is mounted in a similar manner and is secured to the firstpanel unit Ia by lower bolt 1'6 and cornice bolt II5. When these boltsare tightened the slots 48 permit the feet 46 to move relatively to thestuds 55 until the upright corner edges of the panel sheets ll] of theadjacent panel units Ia, lb are brought into abutment. The remainingpanel units are assembled in an analogous manner.

When all of the panel units have been connected together, the severalleveling wheels 55 may be suitably actuated to bring all of theconnected panel units to the desired level. The cornice channels I60 arethen assembled on the panel units and connected thereto by the hookmembers I I6. Each cornice cover II!) may be applied by engaging theflange II4 against the seat I06 and swinging the cover III] down untilthe flange IIZ snaps over the spring flange I05.

After the panel units have been mounted, the base clips 50 are assembledby engaging the clip portion 62 of each clip 50 over the side flange 5|of the base channel 50 and inserting the clip fingers 66 through theseat 61 and engaging them against the upper portion of the clip 60. Thebase cover may be assembled by inserting the flange 'II in thecorresponding seat 68 and engaging the flange I5 in the seat 69. Priorto applying the base cover 10, any desired service lines. such as water,gas or electricity conduits may be disposed in the troughs 83. Theservice conduits C are indicated in their positions within the conduits83. Sumcient space may be provided between the feet 46 and the basecovers "I0 to permit the service lines to pass therebetween.

It will be noted that it is not necessary to thread the service conduitsin the troughs 83, but

they may be merely inserted through the opening 4 between the upper andlower ends of side wall portions 89 of troughs 83 As seen in Fig. 2, thespace between the end members I3 and adjacent panel units is open andrelatively unobstructed and the service line conduits may be readilyinserted therethrough. If desired, the flange I03 of the cornice channelI 00 may be perforated (not shown) to permit the service line conduitsto pass up into the space defined by the channel IE0 and the cornicecover I I0.

Where it is necessary or desirable to remove one of the panel units forthe purpose of repairing or replacing the same, it is not necessary todisassemble the entire partition. In order to remove the panel unit, thecornice cover Ill) and the base cover 'ID are removed as well as thebase clip or clips 60. Referring now to Fig. 7, the bolt 9I is removedand the insulating slab 82 is moved up into the interior of thepartition above the troughs 83, thus permitting the panel unit to beremoved without interference from the slab 82. The lock nut 57 isremoved and the leveling wheels 56 are screwed downwardly against theshoe 52. The bolts 41 and 16 are removed and the feet 45 can then beentirely removed from the leveling studs 55. When the leveling wheels 56are lowered the panel unit drops down sufficiently so that the upperedge is below the flange Hi of the cornice channel I00.

' Referring now to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the panel unit can bepushed outwardly in one direction, owing to the construction of theedges and 26 of the adjacent interfitting end members l3. The panel unitis pushed out slightly and then swung in order to clear the flanges ofthe.

of insulation lie between all parts of the exposed metal faces of thepartition.

Various modifications may be made in the various portions of thepartition without departing from the invention, and an illustrativepartition is disclosed herein showing several modified features. It istobe understood that certain of the features of the partition thus fardescribed may be modified without necessarily modifying the remainingfeatures;

There is shown in Figs. 9 and 10 a partition of somewhat modifiedconstruction which includes a plurality of. panel units 2cm, 201C andmid. Each panel unit may be formed by a pair of spaced parallel panelsheets 2H1 suitably secured to end members 2 l3, a top strut 366 and abottom strut (not shown). If desired, additional strut members (notshown) similar to the strut members i 2 shown in Fig. 6 may be providedandmay be secured to insulating sheets2 ii in a manner similar to thatabove described. The top strut 330 (similar to the horizontal strut 360of Fig. 10) is formed with flanges having shoulder portions 366 andflange extensions 365. The panel sheet 2l0 lies against the flangeextension 365 and may be secured thereto as by welding and theinsulating sheet 2 is fitted in the seat provided between the panelsheet 2) and the flange and against the shoulder portion 366 in a 55.manner similar to that illustrated in Fig. 10.

Each end member 2l3 may be formed as a channel and may have flanges 222formed with shoulder portions 220 and 22!, and an inturned lip 223extending in from the flange 222. The

Gasspace between the panel sheet 2 Iii and the shoulders 220 provides aseat for the upright edge of the insulating sheet 2! l, which bearsagainst the shoulder portion 22L The panel sheet is formed with inturnedlips or fiaoflanges 232 at its edges adapted to lie against the .may beformed in a manner somewhat similar to that previously described and thecornice may include a pair of reinforcing channels 30| arranged back toback and suitably secured together by suitable members (not shown). Eachcornice channel 39! may be formed with a flange 302, a lip 303 and arolled edge 304. The other flange 305 may be formed with a shoulderportion 3% adapted to cooperate withthe flange 309 of the cornice coverSill. The lower end of the cornice cover til! may have a flange 3&8adapted to frictionally engage the rolled edge 304 of the flange 302.

The cornice channels 30! may be secured to the panel units in a mannersimilar to that above described, and not necessarily shown in connectiowith this embodiment of the invention, A suitable ceiling filler 310constructed in any de-' sirable manner may be provided.

A side filler 206 may be constituted by spaced, parallel filler sheets330 having their edges received in grooved portions 332 of a channel 331secured to the wall surface in a suitable manner as by one or morescrews 336. Each sheet 330 has an inturned lip 333 adapted to fitagainst and be secured to the inturned lip of a member 2i3 which may besimilar to the end members previously described. Suitably insulatedsheets 334 and 331 may be secured in position against the sheets33ii'and the channel 33, as indicated in Fig. 9.

A door frame 201 may be provided and it may include a member 213 and achannel 345 having a web 346 formed with: a shoulder portion 347 andside flanges 348 and 349. Each side flange is formed with an inturnedlip 350 adapted to fit against the corresponding inturned lip 223 of themember 213-. The inset portion of the web 346 may bear against the webof the member 2-23 and thus provide a self-reinforcing construction.

A door 355i of suitable construction may be hi-ngedly mounted in theframe 20? in the usual manner.

Referring to Fig. 10, a door filler 229' may he provided for fillingthespace between the upper end of the door frameand the cornice; Thedoor filler includes a horizontal channel 352 having its Web formed witha shoulder 353 providing a door and bear against the lip extensions 35%.The

sheets 359 may be connectedat their upper ends by a horizontal strut 350having flanges formed with flange extensions 365- secured as by weldingto the top edges of the sheets 359 and formed with shoulders 30B adaptedto form seats for insulating sheets 359. Shoulders 3E2 of the sheets 359form lower abutmentsfor insulating sheets 351. The insulating sheets 35?may be adhesively se cured to the filler sheets 359.

The inset groove provided by the lip 355 and the shoulder 362- forms adecorative groove for relieving the plainness of the door filler 209, inaddition to providing a convenient and sturdy structure.

A corner condition may be formed with structural members assembled in amanner generally similar to that described in connection with thestructure shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The pair of hooks 310 (Fig. 9)cooperating with a spacer 31f may be provided and secured together by abolt 38! or other suitable securing member. The hook 310 is formed withears 372 and 373 adapted to engage the corresponding inturned lips 223of the adjacent end member 2l3. The other hook I10 cooperates with theadjacent panel unit 20 l d in a similar manner. The spacer 3' is formedwith pointed lugs or extensions 382 adapted to bear against the adjacentpanel units Zillc and 20m to maintain them in the desired position. Thespacer 3" also is formed with depending lugs 382 adapted to enter slots383 in the hooks 376 to maintain the hooks 310 in the desired relativeangular position.

A corner cover 39!] may be provided and may be formed with inturnedflanges 39! having lips 392 adapted to engage notches in noses 375 ofthe hooks 318 respectively. An internal corner cover 393 having flanges394 may be sprung into the space between the inner ends of the panelunits 2Blc and 2flld.

The base construction for this form of partition may be generallysimilar to the base disclosed in connection with the form of partitionshown in Figs. 1 to 8. However, in the second form of partition thetroughs, the insulating slab and the clip therefor preferably will beomitted and a bottom strut (not shown), similar to the top strut 350,but inverted, will be provided at the bottom edge of the panel unit.

The insulating sheets may comprise any suitable insulating material,such as fiberboard, cork board, asbestos board or other known insulatingmaterial suitable for cushioning the metal elements of the partition andpreventing rattling or sound transmission. The insulation also may serveas heat insulation. The several insulating members which also serve asstructural or connecting members, are formed of material having suitablehardness and strength to perform the intended mechanical functions.Where the members serve only to insulate, they may be formed ofrelatively soft, weak material.

The partition also may serve as a conduit for conducting conditioned airwhich has been suitably cooled or heated and humidified or dried. Thisair may be conducted through the space between the base covers, thespace between the adjacent end members and the space between the cornicecovers. Suitable outlets and inlets for circulating the air through theroom may be provided.

The present invention provides a partition structure which can bequickly and easily assembled from prefabricated units which can beproduced by quantity methods. The panel units may be quickly erected toform a partition. Each panel unit can be removed, for the purpose ofadjusting, repairing or replacing the same with a door frame or anotherpanel unit without necessitating the removal of the other panel units.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed andare pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

This case is a continuation in part of application No. 7,648, filedFebruary 21, 1935, and of application No. 77,268, filed April 30, 1936,now Patent No. 2,169,273.

What is claimed is:

1. In a partition structure, a panel unit including a plurality ofwall-forming panel sheets, spaced upright end members secured to saidpanel sheets respectively adjacent an edge of said panel unit, pairedinsulating members extending between and spacing said end members, meanssecuring said insulating members together to clamp said end memberstherebetween, and spaced insulating members extending along said panelsheets.

2. In a partition structure, in combination, a plurality of panel units,and means securing the panel units together to form a partition, each ofsaid panel units including a pair of spaced parallel panel sheets, ametal upright member secured to each of said panel sheets in adjacentrelation at one upright edge of the panel unit, each of said uprightmembers having a first portion extending along one of said panel sheetsand formed with an inbent end portion cooperating with the inbent endportion of an adjacent panel unit, and a second portion extendinginwardly from said panel sheets opposite said inbent end portion, aninsulating strip extending along said second portions and abutting saidfirst portions respectively, and means securing said insulating strip tosaid metal upright members for maintaining the latter in spaced,insulated relation.

3. In a partition structure, in combination, a plurality of panel units,and means securing said panel units together to form a partition, eachof said panel units including a pair of spaced parallel panel sheets, ametal upright member of angular cross section secured to each of saidpanel sheets, each of said upright members having a first flangeextending along its panel sheet and a second flange extending inwardlyfrom said panel sheet, a first upright member of insulating materialextending along the second flanges of said metal upright members andabutting said first flanges respectively, a second upright member ofinsulating material extending along said second flanges respectively andabutting said panel sheets respectively, and means securing saidinsulating members to said upright members for maintaining the latter inspaced, insulated relation.

4. A partition structure comprising in combination, a plurality of panelunits, and means securing said panel units together to form a partition,each of said panel units including a pair of spaced parallel panelsheets, end upright members secured to said panel sheets adjacent theupright end edges thereof and serving to maintain said panel sheets inspaced parallel relation, insulating members extending along'said panelsheets between said end upright members,

rigid strut members extending between and secured to said insulatingmembers and serving to reinforce said panel units intermediate said endupright members, and insulating means interposed between said strutmembers and said end upright members.

5. A partition structure comprising in combination, a plurality of panelunits, and means securing said panel units together to form a partition,each of said panel units including a pair of spaced parallel panelsheets, end uprights including spaced, upright members and interposedinsulation secured to said panel sheets adjacent the upright end edgesthereof, said end uprights serving to maintain said panel sheets inspaced parallel and insulated relation, insulating members extendingalong said panel sheets respectively between said end upright members,and rigid strut members extending between and secured to said insulatingmembers and said interposed insulation of thecnd uprights and serving tospaceand reinforce said panel units intermediate said end uprights.

. 6. A partition structure comprising, a plurality of panel units, meansfor connecting said panel units together to form a partition, each ofsaid panel units comprisingface-forming panel sheets, a supporting footfor said panel unit, and means including interposed insulation forsecuring said foot to said'panel sheets whereby said foot is insulatedfrom said panel sheets.

7. A partition structure comprising, a plurality of panel units, meansfor connecting said panel units together to form apartition, each ofsaid panel: units comprising face-forming panel sheets, an end uprightadjacent the end edges of said panel sheets, said upright including aninsulating member mutually insulating said panel sheets, a supportingfootior said panel unit, and means securing said foot to said insulatingmember whereby said foot is insulated from said panel sheets. i

8. A partition structure comprising in combination, a plurality of panelunits, means securing said panel units in position to form a partition,a base member adapted to be mounted on a floor on which the partitionstructure is erected, base covers extending along a plurality of saidpanel units on opposite faces thereof respectively, clip membersengageable with said base member and said panel units on each sidethereof for retaining said base covers respectively, a trough disposedbetween said clip members for receiving service lines, and meanssecuring said trough in position.

9. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, eachincluding spaced parallel panel sheets, insulating sheets on the innerfaces of said panel sheets, means for securing said panel sheets inspaced parallel relation adjacent their bottom edges and mutuallyinsulating said panel sheets, said means including a trough membersecured to each panel sheet for receiving service lines, each troughhaving a portion form ing a seat for said insulating sheet, aninsulating member interposed between and spacing said troughs, and meanssecuring said trough members and insulation together, a floor memberextending along said partition, means secured to said floor member forpositioning said insulating member, means securing said panel units inalignmentto form a partition, and base covers ex tending along saidpanel units and enclosing said trough members.

10. In a partition structure, in combination, a plurality of panelunits, means mounting said panel units in position to form a wall havingan angular bend therein, means for connecting at least certain of saidpanel units in angular relation, said means including a pair ofplate-like tension members engaging said last named panel unitsrespectively, means for securing said ten sion members together, and asubstantially platelike spacer member having tongues bent therefrom andentering openings in said tension members for maintaining the latter inpredetermined angular relation.

11. In a partition structure, in combination, a plurality of panelunits, each having end members formed with inturned flanges, and meansfor securing certain of said panel units in angular relation, said meansincluding a pair of tension members each having a head adapted forhooking engagement with the end members of said last named panel units,means securing said tension members together, and a spacer memberinterposed between said last named panel units, said spacer member andsaid tension members being formed with cooperating tongues and openingsfor connecting said members infixed angular relation.

12. A partition structure, in combination, a panel unit having an endupright formed with inturned flanges, a wall filler including spacedsheets extending between saidpanel unit and a wall and having inturnedflanges on their outer upright edges abutting the inturned flanges ofsaid panel unit, and means secured to the end edge of said panel .unitand projecting beyond the flanges of said end upright for hookingengagement with said inturned flanges of said wall filler sheets.

13. In a partition structure, in combination, a-

panel unit including a plurality of panel sheets, an end upright formaintaining said panel sheets in spaced relation and mutually insulatingsaid panel sheets, a plurality of hook membersextending from said endupright within the planes of said panel sheets, insulatingmeansinterposed between and insulating said hook members from eachother, means securing said hook members together and to said endupright, and a pair of wall filler sheets having inturned flangesengaging said hook members respectively.

14. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each ofsaid panel units comprising spaced parallel panel sheets, and verticaland horizontal frame members extending along the edges of said panelunit for securing said panel sheets in spaced parallel relation, saidframe members comprising paired rigid members adjacent and secured tosaid panel sheets respectively, and insulating means secured to andinsulating the members of said pairs, means securing said panel units inalignment to form a partition, spaced cornice members extending alongthe tops of said panel units at each side of said partition, insulationinterposed between and spacing said cornice members, and means securingsaid cornice members and interposed insulation together.

15. A partition structure comprising a plurality of panel units, each ofsaid panel units comprising spaced parallel panel sheets, and verticaland horizontal frame members extending along the edges of said panelunit for securing said panel sheets in spaced parallel relation, saidframe members comprising paired, rigid members adjacent and secured tosaid panel sheets respectively, and insulating means secured to andinsulating the members of said pairs, supporting.

feet extending from said panel units, and insulating means interposedbetween each foot and the panel sheets of the corresponding panel unit,and means securing said panel units in alignment to form a partition.

'16. A partition structure comprising a plurality of vertically disposedpanel units, each of said panel units comprising spaced parallel panelsheets, and vertical and horizontal frame members extending along theedges of said panel unit for securing said panel sheets in spacedparallel relation, said frame members comprising paired rigid membersadjacent and secured to said panel sheets respectively, and insulatingmeans secured to and insulating the members of said pairs, strut membersextending between at least certain of said frame members and reinforcingsaid panel unit intermediate the edges, means insulating said strutmembers from said panel sheets and from said paired rigid members, andmeans securing said panel units together to form a partition.

17. A partition structure comprising, a plurality of panel units, eachincluding spaced wallforming panel sheets and means insulating saidpanel sheets from each other, means connecting said panel units to forma partition, and a detachable cornice structure adapted to extend alongthe tops of a plurality of said panel units, said cornice structurecomprising a pair of horizontally extending structural membersengageable with and receiving the tops of said panel units, ahorizontally extending insulating member interposed between saidstructural members and insulating them from each other, means securingsaid structural members and insulation together, and detachable cornicecovers engageable with said structural members.

18. A partition structure comprising, a pm: rality of panel units, eachincluding spaced wallforming panel sheets and means insulating saidpanel sheets from each other, means connecting said panel units to forma partition, and a detachable cornice structure adapted to extend alongthe tops of a plurality of said panel units, said cornice structurecomprising a pair of oppositely facing horizontally extendingchannelshaped members having their webs substantially 10 in back to backrelation and depending flange portions adapted to receive panel units, ahorizontally extending insulating member interposed between said websand insulating said channelsliaped members from each other, and meanssecuring said channel-shaped members together.

GEORGE M. MILLS.

